10 VULTURE. 



Tlie King Vulture is rarely seen in flocks of more than two or 

 three together, but more frequently mix, one or more, with the 

 Carrion Vultures, whieli are in large troops, and probably from this, 

 has obtained the name of King- of the Vultures. 



It does not gain the complete plumage till the fourth year — in 

 the first it is wholly of dusky blue, with only the rump and belly 

 white, putting on different appearances from year to year, till it gains 

 the entire dress of the adult ; said to lay only two eggs, 



A. — Le Roi des Vautours varie, LevuU. Ois. pU 13. Gen. Syn. Sup~ ii. p. 8. 



This seems to be a variety from age, having many black feathers- 

 mixed among the white ones, on the neck and upper parts. Hence 

 M. Levaillant supposes that these birds are black or dusky while 

 young, and change to the pure wliite, or cream colour, as they ap- 

 proach the adult state ; and, indeetl, Dampier mentions that some 

 are altogether white, but their feathei's look as if they Aveie sullied, 

 with bald heads and necks like the iiist ; and adds, we never see above 

 one or two of these together, and seldom a great number of black 

 ones without a white one among them. 



